Evidence Law

Module description

Students must already have studied Criminal Law.

Module Description:

Evidence Law will familiarise students with the law of evidence in England and Wales. The module will equip students with the ability to apply the law in a range of simple and more complex situations, and to do so in a nuanced manner that takes count of the different objectives of the law of evidence and of the institutional structures within which it operates. The module will further train students to evaluate the law and to predict possible developments. Topics will include the burden and standard of proof; the admissibility and weight of evidence of the defendant’s past conduct, of a complainant’s sexual history evidence, of statistical evidence, and of identification evidence; regulation of forensic evidence (including DNA evidence), of confessional evidence, and of improperly obtained evidence; protection of vulnerable witnesses; and the right of silence. The module will consist mainly of lectures. Several hours will be dedicated to tutorials in which students will initially be divided into groups and will practice solving problem questions that have been distributed in advance, with the lecturer moving between the groups and discussing specific issues; after 30 minutes, the class will come together to reflect on this work. Lectures and tutorials will be led by members of the faculty and by leading experts in their field.
Assessment will be made by a final exam that will include 2 problem questions, one of which will require the application of critical skills. 

Assessment details

Examination (100%) (format of examination for 2025/26 to be confirmed)

 

Semester 1 only study abroad students will be required to sit any online examinations for this module. If the examination is in person, an alternative assessment will be arranged. 

 

Full year study abroad students will be required to sit the exam, whether in person or online, and an alternative assessment will not be offered.

Educational aims & objectives

1. To introduce main topics in the law of evidence in England and Wales.
2. To familiarise students with the legislation and the case law that govern proof, especially in criminal trails, in England and Wales.
3. To provide students with the analytical skills needed to resolve questions that raise a multiplicity of issues in evidence law.
4. To equip students with the ability to think critically about questions in evidence law with reference to the main aims of this law

Learning outcomes

1. Have detailed knowledge of the law of evidence in England and Wales.
2. Be able to apply and analyse the rules of evidence to a range of specific situations.
3. Be able to identify and critically analyse difficult situations, to understand the competing aims and interests, and to offer well-reasons solutions.
4. Be able to identify trends in the law of evidence; to predict possible developments; and to effectively adjust their thinking and skills to any such developments.

Teaching pattern

Lectures (1 x 2 hour per week) - total 22 hours

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.